Lanao del Sur clash: 3 dead, 12 minors rescued

LANAO DEL SUR — A government offensive against Dawlah Islamiyah — Maute Group (DI-MG) remnants in Lumbayanague town turned bloody on 9 August, leaving a woman and a child dead, three suspected terrorists killed, and 12 underage fighters rescued from the armed group.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the clash erupted while police and soldiers were serving arrest warrants for murder and homicide against key DI-MG personalities.

“In this operation, we caught several minors being used as fighters by the Maute group,” Torre told reporters in Camp Crame. “Sadly, a woman and a child also lost their lives in the encounter. Some members were killed, others were arrested, and a few escaped — but we already know who they are.”

Authorities confirmed that the minors — some as young as 13 — were taken into the custody of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade in Marawi City for temporary shelter and debriefing.

Social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have been tasked to provide them with psychosocial support and begin the process of reintegration.

During clearing operations, soldiers recovered high-powered firearms, explosives, ISIS flags, and assorted ammunition.

The military identified the slain suspects as Anwar Rahman, Abdullah, and Nahara, while those arrested — Abu Zacaria, Al Wala, and Asnawi — were taken into custody and are now facing multiple charges, including illegal possession of firearms and rebellion.